George James Franek, Jr., 80, of Daytona Beach, Florida passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026. He was born on October 18, 1945, in Chicago Illinois. He was an aerospace engineer and enjoyed working at Pratt & Whitney. He was also on the East Hartford Town Council for 12 years.
He loved to talk with his granddaughters about life, teaching, and future college and career aspirations.
George is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Wanda L. Franek; son, George James Franek, III.; brother, William Franek and his wife; daughter, Barbara Rose Franek; granddaughter, Isabella Rose Franek; granddaughter, Mackenzie Ann Franek; and other extended family and friends.
As a Town Councilman, George could always be counted on for raising practical suggestions and ideas to improve on the quality of life in East Hartford. That included keeping an eye on the use of every tax dollar, proposing changes to the annual budget, taking a stand for the town’s outnumbered Republican party, and for simply showing up when it counted.
George was quick to let others know that what they did counted in our town, and that public participation and involvement are important. Though he ran for mayor more than once, and lost, he always did so with politeness and gentlemanly demeanor. Though the voter registration numbers were stacked against him, he won the hearts and minds of many, and as a sign of true respect and leadership, his opponents often adopted his ideas.
One aspect of that leadership had a lasting legacy in East Hartford. George, an engineer by trade, always encouraged the town to be prepared for potential disaster. He believed at heart that was government’s main purpose: Protecting the citizens. Today, George would be proud to know that East Hartford just constructed a storage shed adjacent to Fire Station No. 1 on Main Street next to Town Hall for the purpose of housing the ‘stop logs’ which will protecting Main Street should the nearby Hockanum River overflow its banks.
There will be a viewing on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church located at 600 South Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida. There will be a Mass immediately following at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol, Connecticut at a time to be determined by the family.
Wanda , Sending Condolences to you and the Family
Wanda – sorry to hear about your loss. Sending love and prayers to you and the entire family at this very difficult time.
Wanda, George III and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember growing up and seeing Wanda and George all the time. He always treated me with respect. Even as I got older, you could tell that he loved his family, and East Hartford. God Bless. Vicky Gaudette Brinius and Mike Brinius
My Condolences to Wanda and the family. I remember you fondly from St Isaac Jogues Church. May be rest in peace.🙏
I’ve known George and Wanda for better than fifty years and they are good friends, good people and contributors to local and state government. Mary Anne and I are to have them in our lives. George’s passing does not take from us the fun times and his sense of humor, as well as serious public policy discussions. I wil miss George very much, but count myself lucky to have he and Wanda as our friends.